Boston University Snapshot Card

20+

Online master’s programs

$800

Per credit hour

Top 50 public/national

Public university ranking

R1

Public research university

Key policies

Institution type:

Private R1

Regional accreditation:

NECHE

Admissions model:

Rolling — multiple starts per year

GRE/GMAT required:

Required (varies by program)

Out-of-state premium:

Varies

Notable Programmatic Accreditations

  • AACSB
  • ABAI
  • CEPH
  • CSWE
Written By - Bob Litt
Last Updated: June 20, 2026
Boston University Online Master's Programs

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Best For:

  • Mid-career professionals seeking a top-50 research university credential that carries weight in healthcare, public health, social services, or education hiring
  • Students specifically targeting CEPH-accredited MPH, CSWE-accredited MSW, or AACSB-accredited MBA programs online
  • IT and cybersecurity professionals who want applied master’s programs with multiple concentration options from a recognized brand
  • Career-changers entering social work who can commit to field placements as part of a CSWE-accredited MSW
  • Educators seeking affordable (relative to BU’s other programs) MEd options through Wheelock College
  • Students who value the alumni and employer network of a large Boston-based research university

Not a Best Fit:

  • Budget-conscious students — BU’s tuition ranges from $800–$1,015 per credit, putting total program costs between roughly $28,800 and $60,500
  • Students who need a fully asynchronous, self-paced learning model with maximum scheduling flexibility
  • Applicants seeking programs in nursing, engineering, liberal arts, or public administration — BU’s online master’s catalog doesn’t currently cover these fields
  • Students who prefer cohort-based immersive models with strong career services integration (Northeastern’s model may fit better)
  • Anyone unwilling to complete in-person requirements — several BU programs (MPH, MSW, Applied Behavior Analysis) require practica or field placements

Boston University Online Master’s Programs

Boston University is one of the largest private research universities in the United States, with a Carnegie R1 classification and regional accreditation through the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Its online master’s portfolio spans more than 20 degree programs delivered primarily through Metropolitan College — BU’s professional education arm — along with select programs from the School of Public Health, the School of Social Work, and Wheelock College of Education & Human Development.

BU occupies a specific tier in online graduate education: premium-priced private research university with nationally recognized programs in public health (CEPH-accredited), social work (CSWE-accredited), business (AACSB-accredited MBA), and applied technology fields. The university’s online infrastructure has matured over the past decade, but its tuition rates reflect its brand positioning — this is not a budget-friendly option, and the decision to attend BU online should be weighed against both the credential’s market value and the availability of comparable programs at lower price points.

This page covers BU’s full online master’s program inventory, cost structure, admissions expectations, competitive positioning against peer private universities, and honest fit guidance for different student profiles. If you’re comparing elite private online master’s options, the sections below are designed to help you determine whether BU justifies the investment for your specific goals.

Quick Decision Guide

Before reading the full evaluation, use this guide to get an immediate signal on whether Boston University’s online master’s programs align with your priorities.

Quick Fit Summary: Boston University online is designed for working professionals who want a research-university credential from a nationally ranked private institution and are willing to pay a premium for it. BU’s strongest online offerings are in public health, social work, education, and applied technology — if your target field falls outside these areas, BU’s online portfolio may not offer the depth you need.

Cost Signal: Tuition ranges from $800/credit (MEd programs) to $1,015/credit (MPH). Estimated total costs span $28,800 (36-credit MEd) to approximately $60,500 (64-credit MSW). Most Metropolitan College programs run $950/credit for 40 credits ($38,000 total).

Learning Model Signal: Primarily asynchronous coursework with some synchronous components depending on the program. Most Metropolitan College programs offer three start dates per year (Fall, Spring, Summer). Not a rigid cohort model — students generally have flexibility in pacing. Some programs (MPH, MSW, ABA) include mandatory in-person fieldwork or practicum components.

Admissions Signal: Moderately selective. Most programs use deadline-based admissions. GRE/GMAT is generally not required, with waivers widely available. No minimum GPA is published universally, but competitive applicants typically hold a 3.0+ undergraduate GPA. Program-specific prerequisites apply for clinical and technical programs.

Flexibility Signal: Most programs offer Fall, Spring, and Summer start dates. Part-time study is standard. Completion timelines typically range from 12–36 months depending on credit requirements and pace. Education programs use rolling admissions for additional flexibility.

Main Tradeoff: You’re paying premium private-university tuition — often 2–3x the cost of comparable public university online programs — for a well-recognized research brand. Whether that premium translates to proportionally better career outcomes depends heavily on your field and market.

What Boston University Is Known For

Boston University’s reputation in online master’s education rests on a handful of specific strengths rather than across-the-board dominance. Understanding where BU genuinely excels — and where its brand outpaces its online program depth — is important for making a well-informed decision.

Public Health Leadership.

BU’s School of Public Health is consistently ranked among the top 10 public health schools nationally by U.S. News & World Report. The online MPH program carries CEPH accreditation and offers concentrations in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and law, and global health. This is one of the few elite online MPH programs that comes from a top-ranked school of public health rather than a continuing education division.

CSWE-Accredited Social Work.

BU’s online MSW, offered through the School of Social Work, holds CSWE accreditation — the gold standard for social work licensure preparation. The program offers both clinical and macro tracks and includes an advanced standing pathway for BSW holders that reduces credits from 64 to 37. For students aiming at clinical social work licensure, this accreditation is non-negotiable, and BU is one of a relatively small number of highly ranked universities offering it online.

Metropolitan College’s Applied Technology Portfolio.

BU’s Metropolitan College has built a deep bench of technology-oriented master’s programs — Computer Information Systems, Software Development, Cybersecurity, Applied Data Analytics, and Telecommunications — all with a $950/credit tuition rate and multiple start dates. These programs emphasize applied skills over theoretical computer science, making them practical for working IT professionals seeking credentials for advancement.

AACSB-Accredited MBA.

BU’s online MBA carries AACSB accreditation, which is held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. The program includes concentrations in management, health sector management, and social impact, distinguishing it from the generic MBA format. At $950/credit and 48 credits, the total cost (~$45,600) positions it in the upper-middle range of AACSB-accredited online MBAs.

Faculty and Research Integration.

Unlike some large online programs that rely heavily on adjunct instructors, BU’s online courses — particularly in public health, social work, and education — are frequently taught by the same faculty who lead on-campus research. This research integration adds depth to coursework, though the degree to which individual students interact with research-active faculty varies by program.

Online Master’s Programs by Subject

Boston University offers more than 20 online master’s programs spanning business, technology, healthcare, education, social work, psychology, criminal justice, and interdisciplinary fields. The majority are delivered through Metropolitan College at a standard $950/credit tuition rate, but programs from the School of Public Health, School of Social Work, and Wheelock College of Education carry their own pricing and admissions structures.

The table below provides structured data for every known online master’s program at BU. Use the subject groupings to navigate to the programs most relevant to your field, and note the variation in credit requirements, cost, and in-person requirements — these differ significantly across schools.

BU’s business programs represent the largest concentration in its online portfolio, spanning the MBA through specialized master’s degrees in finance, marketing, insurance, supply chain, project management, actuarial science, enterprise risk management, and more.

ProgramDegreeCredits$/CreditEst. TotalDurationGRE/GMATAccreditationIn-PersonNotes
Master of Business AdministrationMBA48$950$45,60024–36 mo.No (waiver available)AACSBNoConcentrations: Management, Health Sector Mgmt, Social Impact
MS in Project ManagementMS40$950$38,00018–30 mo.No—No—
MS in Global Marketing ManagementMS40$950$38,00018–30 mo.No—No—
MS in Financial ManagementMS40$950$38,00018–30 mo.No—No—
MS in Insurance ManagementMS40$950$38,00018–30 mo.No—No—
MS in Supply Chain ManagementMS40$950$38,00018–30 mo.No—No—
MS in Enterprise Risk ManagementMS40$950$38,00018–30 mo.No—No—
MS in Actuarial ScienceMS40$950$38,00018–30 mo.No—NoSOA Center of Actuarial Excellence

BU’s business program breadth is notable — few private universities offer this many specialized business master’s degrees online. The AACSB-accredited MBA is the flagship, but the specialized MS programs serve professionals seeking targeted credentials in niche fields like actuarial science or enterprise risk management where BU has established recognition. If you’re exploring online MBA options broadly, see our guide to the best online MBA programs for comparative context.

Across all programs, BU’s online catalog is noticeably concentrated in applied professional fields. You won’t find online master’s programs in engineering, nursing, liberal arts, or public administration here. If those fields are your target, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

How Boston University Compares

Boston University competes directly with a small group of premium private research universities that offer substantial online master’s portfolios. The comparison below focuses on the dimensions that matter most for decision-making: tuition, program breadth, learning model, admissions approach, and brand positioning. These are the universities that prospective BU online students are most likely to also be considering.

FactorBoston UniversityNortheastern UniversityGeorge Washington UniversityJohns Hopkins UniversityUniversity of Southern California
ClassificationPrivate R1Private R1Private R1Private R1Private R1
Tuition/Credit Range$800–$1,015$800–$1,400+$900–$1,500+$1,100–$1,800+$1,000–$2,200+
Typical Total Cost$28,800–$60,500$30,000–$60,000+$36,000–$65,000+$40,000–$75,000+$40,000–$110,000+
Online Program Count20+40+60+30+30+
Strongest Online FieldsPublic health, social work, IT, education, businessBusiness, IT, engineering, analyticsPublic policy, business, education, healthHealth sciences, education, business, nursingSocial work, education, engineering, business
Learning ModelMostly async, some sync componentsExperiential/co-op hybridMostly asyncMostly async, some cohortMostly async, some immersive
GRE/GMATBroadly waivedVaries by programVaries by programMany programs waivedVaries by program
Key DifferentiatorCEPH-accredited MPH, CSWE MSW, lower cost vs. peersCo-op/career integrationD.C. policy/government networkElite health sciences brandWest Coast industry network

Key takeaways from this comparison:

BU vs. Northeastern University

BU and Northeastern University are both Boston-based private R1 universities, but their online models reflect fundamentally different philosophies. Northeastern’s online programs are built around an experiential learning framework that integrates co-op placements and employer partnerships directly into the curriculum. BU’s online programs take a more traditional academic approach — rigorous coursework from research-active faculty, but without the structured career integration that defines Northeastern.

Northeastern offers a significantly broader online catalog (40+ programs vs. BU’s 20+), particularly in engineering and analytics. Tuition ranges overlap at the lower end, but Northeastern’s per-credit rates can stretch higher for specialized programs. Choose BU if you’re specifically targeting its CEPH-accredited MPH, CSWE-accredited MSW, or AACSB-accredited MBA — programs where BU’s accreditation and school-specific reputation give it an edge. Choose Northeastern if career integration, experiential learning structure, or a wider range of STEM and engineering options matter more to you.

BU vs. George Washington University

George Washington University offers one of the largest online master’s catalogs of any private university, with 60+ programs spanning public policy, government, health, business, education, and more. GWU’s location in Washington, D.C. gives its programs — especially in public affairs, political science, and policy — a specific geographic advantage in government and NGO hiring.

BU’s tuition is generally lower per credit than GWU’s upper-range programs, and BU’s subject strengths don’t overlap heavily with GWU’s policy focus. Choose BU if public health, social work, or applied technology are your fields. Choose GWU if you’re targeting public policy, government, international affairs, or if the D.C. professional network carries strategic value for your career.

BU vs. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University carries one of the most recognized brands in health sciences and medical research globally. For students specifically pursuing public health, BU and Hopkins are both strong choices — but Hopkins charges substantially more per credit ($1,100–$1,800+), and its total costs can run $40,000–$75,000+ depending on the program.

BU’s MPH is CEPH-accredited and comes from a top-ranked school of public health, making it a genuine competitor to Hopkins for online public health students who are cost-sensitive. BU also offers considerably more breadth outside health sciences — IT, cybersecurity, criminal justice, and education programs that Hopkins doesn’t match online. Choose Johns Hopkins if the brand is specifically tied to your career goals in health sciences or medical research, and if budget is less of a constraint. Choose BU if you want a still-prestigious public health credential at a lower price point, or if your interests span beyond health into technology or social work.

BU vs. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is BU’s most direct private-university peer in terms of online master’s ambition — both are large R1 institutions with substantial online portfolios and premium pricing. USC’s tuition runs higher across the board ($1,000–$2,200+/credit), with some programs like the MSW exceeding $100,000 in total cost.

Both universities offer CSWE-accredited online MSW programs, but BU’s is significantly less expensive (~$60,500 for the full program vs. USC’s $100,000+). USC has stronger online offerings in engineering and a West Coast industry network that carries particular weight in technology and entertainment sectors. BU’s advantages are in its New England employer network, its lower-cost education programs through Wheelock, and its deep technology portfolio through Metropolitan College. Choose USC if West Coast connections, engineering, or the Trojan alumni network matter to your goals. Choose BU if you want a comparable credential at a lower overall cost, particularly in social work, public health, or education.

Best For

Boston University’s online master’s programs are a strong match for specific student profiles where BU’s institutional strengths, accreditation credentials, and program design align with concrete career and educational needs.

  • Public health professionals targeting a top-10 school credential. BU’s CEPH-accredited MPH comes from one of the highest-ranked schools of public health in the country. For students whose career goals require or benefit from a pedigree public health degree — positions at the CDC, WHO, state health departments, major hospital systems — BU’s MPH is one of the strongest online options available.
  • Social work students who need CSWE accreditation at a lower cost than USC. BU’s online MSW is CSWE-accredited and costs roughly $60,500 for the full program (or ~$35,000 for BSW holders via advanced standing). That’s significantly less than USC’s online MSW while carrying comparable accreditation credibility for licensure.
  • Working IT professionals seeking applied, concentration-rich technology master’s programs. Metropolitan College’s CIS, cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development programs offer practical skill-building with a $38,000 total price tag and multiple entry points per year. The CIS program’s six concentrations allow meaningful specialization.
  • Educators on a tighter budget who still want a research-university name. At $800/credit and $28,800 total, BU’s Wheelock MEd programs are the best value in its entire online catalog — and rolling admissions make them accessible on a shorter timeline.
  • Business professionals who need an AACSB-accredited MBA or a niche business master’s. BU’s MBA carries the AACSB stamp, and the specialized business programs (actuarial science, enterprise risk management, supply chain) serve professionals in fields where generic MBAs don’t suffice.
  • Students who value a large research university’s alumni network and employer recognition in the Northeast. BU’s 400,000+ alumni network and strong brand recognition in New England, New York, and D.C. carry real weight in hiring, particularly in healthcare, education, and financial services.

Not a Best Fit For

BU’s online master’s programs have real limitations that make them a poor match for certain student profiles. Being transparent about these tradeoffs is the whole point of this evaluation.

Students who prioritize affordability above brand. BU’s per-credit rates ($800–$1,015) place it firmly in the premium tier. Comparable programs at public research universities — or at institutions like Arizona State University or University of Florida — can cost 40–60% less. If tuition is your primary constraint, BU will be hard to justify unless the specific program accreditation (CEPH, CSWE, AACSB) provides a concrete return on investment in your field. Use our graduate school cost calculator to model the financial comparison.

Students seeking maximum program variety. At 20+ online master’s programs, BU’s catalog is solid but noticeably narrower than peers like George Washington University (60+ programs) or Northeastern University (40+). If you need a program in nursing, engineering, public administration, liberal arts, or the natural sciences, BU doesn’t offer it online.

Students who want fully online, no-residency programs across the board. BU’s MPH, MSW, and Applied Behavior Analysis programs all require in-person components (practica, field placements, supervised fieldwork). If you’re geographically constrained or can’t commit to in-person requirements, these flagship programs won’t work for you.

Students who want structured career services built into the online experience. BU’s online programs provide access to university career resources, but the integrated co-op and employer partnership model that defines schools like Northeastern isn’t part of BU’s online DNA. If career placement support is a priority, you may find more structured options elsewhere.

Students comparing solely on national ranking signals. BU is a strong university, but it’s not a top-20 national university. Students who are choosing between BU and a lower-cost option purely based on prestige ranking should carefully weigh whether the incremental brand value justifies the cost premium — particularly in fields where licensure or certification, not school name, drives hiring. Our resource on whether a master’s degree is worth it can help frame this decision.

Not all of BU’s online master’s programs are created equal. These five stand out based on accreditation strength, competitive positioning, and the specific advantages BU brings to each field.

BU’s online MPH is arguably its single strongest online offering. Delivered through the School of Public Health — which ranks among the nation’s top 10 — the program carries CEPH accreditation and offers five specialization tracks (epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and law, global health). The practicum requirement ensures real-world application. At ~$45,675 total, it’s substantially cheaper than comparable MPH programs from Johns Hopkins University while coming from a similarly elite public health school.

Admissions Snapshot

BU’s online admissions process is moderately selective and varies meaningfully by program and school. Here’s what to expect across the portfolio.

General Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV demonstrating professional or academic background
  • Personal statement or essay (program-specific prompts)
  • Letters of recommendation (typically 2–3, varies by program)
  • English proficiency scores for international applicants

GRE/GMAT:

Most BU online master’s programs do not require the GRE or GMAT. The MBA and MPH offer waivers for qualified applicants (typically based on GPA, professional experience, or prior graduate work). Some Metropolitan College programs have no standardized test requirement at all.

Admissions Model:

Most programs use deadline-based admissions with Fall, Spring, and Summer intakes. Education programs through Wheelock College use rolling admissions, providing more flexibility for applicants who miss standard deadlines.

Selectivity Signal:

BU does not publish acceptance rates for individual online programs, but the overall admissions profile suggests moderate selectivity. Competitive applicants typically have a 3.0+ undergraduate GPA and relevant professional experience. Clinical programs (MSW, ABA) may have additional prerequisites, including field placement logistics.

Program-Specific Notes:

  • The MSW requires a prerequisite liberal arts foundation and field placement arrangement before enrollment.
  • The MPH requires completion of prerequisites in biology and statistics for some concentrations.
  • The Applied Behavior Analysis MS requires documentation of supervised fieldwork capacity.

Application fees and specific deadlines vary by program and should be confirmed directly through BU’s admissions portal.

Tuition and Cost Overview

BU is an expensive online master’s destination — there’s no way to frame this otherwise. Tuition rates vary by school and program, and total costs range from roughly $28,800 for the most affordable education programs to over $60,000 for the full MSW. Understanding the cost structure and how it compares to peers is critical for making a sound financial decision.

Tuition Ranges by Program

The following table summarizes BU’s online master’s tuition structure by school and program category.

School / Program CategoryTuition per CreditCredit RangeEstimated Total Cost Range
Metropolitan College (most MS programs, MBA, MCJ)$95040–48$38,000–$45,600
School of Public Health (MPH)$1,01545~$45,675
School of Social Work (MSW)$94537–64~$34,965–$60,480
Wheelock College of Education (MEd programs)$80036~$28,800

Metropolitan College programs cluster tightly at $950/credit and 40 credits, making the $38,000 total cost the most common price point across BU’s online catalog. The MBA, at 48 credits, pushes that to $45,600. Education programs represent the most accessible entry point at $28,800.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

  • Online students at BU are eligible for federal financial aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS loans. BU also offers some program-specific scholarships and assistantships, though these are more competitive and less widely available than at public universities with larger financial aid pools.
  • Employer tuition reimbursement is a common funding mechanism for BU online students, particularly in the business and IT programs where many enrollees are working professionals. BU’s financial aid office can assist with employer reimbursement documentation and payment timing.
  • Military-connected students may be eligible for Yellow Ribbon benefits, though availability varies by program and should be confirmed directly. BU does not widely advertise deep institutional discounts for online students — the expectation is that most students will pay close to the listed per-credit rate, potentially offset by loans, employer reimbursement, or limited merit aid.

Cost Positioning

  • BU sits in the upper tier of online master’s tuition among private research universities, but it’s not the most expensive option in its peer group. Its Metropolitan College programs ($38,000–$45,600) are generally less expensive than comparable offerings from Johns Hopkins University or the University of Southern California, and roughly competitive with George Washington University and Northeastern University.
  • However, BU’s programs cost roughly 2–3x what you’d pay at many public flagship universities. An online master’s in cybersecurity at BU costs $38,000; a comparable program at a public university like Arizona State University might run $15,000–$25,000. Whether BU’s premium is justified depends on the specific program (CEPH, CSWE, and AACSB accreditations carry concrete market value in their respective fields), your target industry, and your geographic labor market.

For students evaluating the cost-value tradeoff, our most affordable online master’s programs ranking provides counterpoint options, and the graduate school cost calculator can help model your total financial exposure across different schools.

Visit Boston University’s official online programs page

The following OMC rankings can help you contextualize BU’s position relative to other online master’s programs and evaluate whether BU should make your shortlist in specific fields.

  • Best Online Master’s Programs — Our broadest ranking of top online master’s programs across all subjects, useful for benchmarking BU against the full national landscape.
  • Best Online MBA Programs — Compare BU’s AACSB-accredited online MBA against other top business schools offering online MBAs, with a focus on cost, accreditation, and career outcomes.
  • Best Online Master’s in Public Health — BU’s MPH from the School of Public Health is one of the strongest entries here. See how it stacks up against other CEPH-accredited online options.
  • Best Online Master’s in Social Work — Context for BU’s CSWE-accredited MSW, including how its cost compares to other top online social work programs.
  • Most Affordable Online Master’s Programs — BU will not appear here, and that’s the point. If cost is your primary driver, this ranking shows what’s available at significantly lower price points.
  • Accredited Online Master’s Programs — Useful for understanding the landscape of regionally and programmatically accredited online options and verifying BU’s credentialing in context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Boston University holds regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which covers all of its programs — online and on-campus. Individual programs carry additional programmatic accreditations: the MBA is AACSB-accredited, the MPH is CEPH-accredited, the MSW is CSWE-accredited, and the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis is ABAI-accredited. Regional accreditation from NECHE is the highest institutional accreditation standard in the U.S.